TVIB News Industry Press

USCG: Sector New Orleans Issues Safety Alert 01/19 – Towing Vessel Safety Alert

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03/25/2019 USCG Sector New Orleans issued Safety Alert 01-19

Recently there were three marine casualties that resulted in the sinking of towing vessels on the Lower Mississippi River.  The high water conditions on the Mississippi River present numerous risks for towing vessels, including unusually strong river currents and dynamic eddies.  The Coast Guard has issued the referenced Towing Vessel Safety Alert that contains recommendations for towing vessel operators and other responsible parties.

Click here to download Safety Alert 01-19 dated 03/25/2019

RIETF: Best Practices for High Water Events

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Following an increase in vessel casualties during ongoing high water, conversations with RADM Paul Thomas, Eighth District Commander and his staff have resulted in a clear message, safety must be improved throughout the District.  RADM Thomas has stated that he will use all available means within his authority to improve safety.    

The industry members of the River Industry Executive Task Force (RIETF) have developed a list of best practices during high water including 1) managing the risks of downstreaming; 2) ensuring that all water tight openings are closed at all times; 3) risk assessments for crew and vessels; and 4) “see something, say something” communications between towing vessels. 

Click here to download “RIETF: Best Practices for High Water Events.

We thank our industry partners in RIETF for sharing this valuable resource.

USCG: National Maritime Center (NMC) and Regional Exam Centers Re-open

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1/30/2019: Nat’l Maritime Center, Regional Exam Centers re-open following partial shutdown

The National Maritime Center announced in a bulletin Jan. 28, 2019 that it has re-opened and is implementing measures to address increased levels of application inventory.

Merchant Mariner Credentials and Medical Certifications (National Endorsements only) set to expire in December 2018, January 2019, or February 2019 remain valid until May 31, 2019. (See Update 3 – Mitigation Efforts Due to Lapse in Fiscal Year 2019 Appropriations and Partial Government Shutdown.)

Additional Information letters, Qualified Assessor letters, Designated Examiner letters, Proctor Approval letters, Approval to Test letters, and mariner training completion certificates set to expire in December 2018, January 2019, or February 2019 remain valid until April 30, 2019. (See Update 3 – Mitigation Efforts Due to Lapse in Fiscal Year 2019 Appropriations and Partial Government Shutdown.)

Mariners seeking to operate on STCW endorsements that expired on or after December 1, 2018, may request continued service STCW dispensations via e-mail at STCWDispensations@uscg.mil. (For application details, see STCW Mitigation Efforts Due to Lapse in Fiscal Year 2019 Appropriations and Partial Government Shutdown.)

Regional Examination Centers nationwide will be fully operational and open to the public by Jan. 30, 2019. The scheduling system for Regional Examination Centers examinations, application drop off, and other credentialing business will be active beginning Jan. 31, 2019.

The NMC is working to minimize the negative impact to the maritime industry and will publish additional information regarding furlough recovery operations as needed. For updates, please monitor the NMC website. If you have questions, contact the NMC Customer Service Center by e-mailing IASKNMC@uscg.mil or by calling 1-888-IASKNMC (427-5662).

Click here to access the original post on the Coast Guard Maritime Commons